2O21 Long Beach Convention Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Last night Long Beach celebrated a very merry Christmas in spectacular fashion. Teaming with a professional film crew a few hundred people gathered at the Long Beach Convention Center to bring in the holiday season.
Guests flocked into the gates just before 5pm. Black tied event workers screened for proof of vaccination. Upon entering were various food trucks. Every comfort craving from burgers to Squid Game flavored Ice Cream or oven baked artisan pizza could be sampled.
Children frolicked near the front stage while bouncing to Holiday music from the Live DJ. A full brass band and their conductor played timeless Christmas tunes. Dressed in formal tuxedos the brass band was a jolly hit. To top things off USC's SoCal VoCals performed holiday classics a cappella.
But next came a joyful surprise. Before an adoring audience Nutcracker ballet dancers performed beside what the City called the tallest tree in Long Beach.
Photo Courtesy of Photographer Mia Cupid. Long Beach Nutcracker ballet dancers.
Overwhelmed with Christmas spirit Steve Goodling snapped pictures of the dozens of children who crowded the speakers podium to get a glimpse of the ballet dancers. Goodling heads the Long Beach Convention Center and is the CEO and President behind last night's holiday magic.
The Convention Center Mall was overflowing with fun. A North Pole train carried merry passengers to Santa's workshop. Beside the station was a special opportunity for kids to sit on Saint Nick or even Mrs. Clause's lap. East and West of the Convention Center's sprawling fountain families waited in line to snap selfies in front of the life size and glimmering Christmas tree ornaments.
But the great suspense of the night was complete when at the end of a ten second countdown the tallest Christmas Tree in Long Beach gloriously lit the night sky. Then dancing from the roof top of Terrace Theatre were a volley of fireworks followed by a blanket of snow.
Photo Courtesy of Photographer Mia Cupid
It was a Merry Christmas indeed in Downtown Long Beach.
Franklin Sims reporting for Long Beach News Today